History

The International Working Conference on Stored Product Protection, a conference which is held every four years in countries at the five continents, is now being held in Brazil, a South American country.

The initial steps for the realization of the conference were taken in 1970, and the first conference was held in Savanna (USA) in 1974. Since then, there have been seven other conferences: Nigeria, USA, Israel, France, Australia, China, and Great Britain.

The main objective of the 9th International Working Conference on Stored Product Protection (9th IWCSPP), to be held from October 15th to October 18th 2006, at The Royal Palm Plaza Hotel Resort, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil (www.embrapa.br/9thIWCSPP ), is to promote exchange in science and technology among several global producing countries.

Traditionally, the conference brings together research scientists, consultants, extension workers, and industrialists involved in the safe storage of the world's durable food commodities, such as grain, legumes, pulses, nuts, beverage crops, and animal foodstuffs.

The event will, once again, nurture the exchange of experiences, technologies, and innovations which stand out in the post-harvest area in the five continents. Such innovations involve scenarios in a scale that ranges from rural properties to large storage facilities, present in several countries.

The event also has the objective of showcasing the Brazilian agribusiness strength and quality to participants from countries of the five continents. Technical visits to Brazil's agricultural, livestock, and industrial sectors are programmed for right after the event, directed towards the South and Center-West regions of the country.

The IWCSPP is internationally coordinated by the International Permanent Committee. The organization of the 9th IWCSPP is under the responsibility of the Local Organizing Committee. The event is promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply, Embrapa and Conab. It is run by the Brazilian Post-harvest Association (ABRAPOS), supported by the research sector, universities, consultants, chemical industries, silo manufacturers, storage industries, and farmers.